Improve the README file and convert to Markdown. Add a .gitignore

The README file needs to be changed to .md extension for github to parse as markdown

Added some requirements, installation, and usage steps to the README to help first time users.

Reorganised the structure slightly. Added SVS contact.

The .gitignore is pulled directly from GitHub's recommended .gitignore repository
Merge pull request #4 from amney/readme

Improve the README file and convert to Markdown. Add a .gitignore
Point long_description to new README location
Updated readme